Photo Finish in Woking!

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 8th May 2006

Sharon with Richard Sanderson (re-elected Woking Councillor) on the campaign trail on polling day.

On 4th May Lib Dems across the country took to the streets for the final leg of the local election campaign. In Woking, members were knocking up in temperatures of up to 27°C the hottest day of the year so far to drag voters away from their barbeques and into the polling stations. With a history of close calls, everyone knew Woking was set for a photo finish. Sharon Bowles MEP for the South East and party members from Guildford teamed up with Woking activists to do battle with the Tories over the NOC Council.

In the early hours of Friday morning it became clear that all that hard work had paid off. The Liberal Democrats had overtaken the Tories to become the biggest group in Woking Council gaining 3 seats - missing out on a 4th and gaining control by only two votes!

Richard Sanderson Honorary President of Woking Lib Dems said "Temperatures rose both on and off the streets. It was a near miss not gaining control of the council but we are absolutely delighted at the excellent result."

Sharon Bowles MEP said "The result in Woking is a perfect example of how Liberal Democrats are building up a strong following among voters. Last Thursday's success in Woking means we are in pole position to take the council next time and it is certainly one in the eye for Cameron's Conservatives who failed to capitalise on weeks of Labour Government scandal. Both Labour and Conservatives know they need to watch their backs!"

Ends